Digital Commons Network^™

Material Selection For The Actuator Design For A Biomimetic Rolling Robot Conducive To Miniaturization, Zachary S. Dotson

Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to research, select, and test an actuator mechanism for ultimate use on a centimeter scale biomimetic rolling robot. The design of the actuator will allow a rolling motion that closely mimics cellular locomotion in addition to providing a novel motion for other applications. The basis of the design has been completed through previous mechanical design research. The existing robotic mechanism consists of a larger scale spherical body with legs which controllably extend and contract, yielding a trajectory which results in a rolling motion of the body. The previous research also derived a mathematical model …

The Effects Of Grouping And Curriculum On The Self-Concept Of Gifted Children, Valerie A. Beaman

Theses

The Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect predicts gifted students educated in heterogeneous settings develop higher academic self-concept than those educated in homogeneous settings. Academic self-concept of students in multi-age classroom using the Primary Years International Baccalaureate Program (Primary IB) was compared to academic self-concept of students in single-aged classroom learning traditional curriculum. Data were collected (N=65) on third and fourth-graders using the Self-Description Questionaire (Marsh, 1992). It was hypothesized that gifted and non-gifted students educated in multi-age classrooms taught with Primary IB have higher academic self-concept than children in single age classrooms. Results of 2x2 ANOVA indicated no significant differences between gifted and …

Optimizing Scalar Multiplication For Koblitz Curves Using Hybrid Fpgas, Gregory Głuszek

Theses

Elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is a type of public-key cryptosystem which uses the additive group of points on a nonsingular elliptic curve as a cryptographic medium. Koblitz curves are special elliptic curves that have unique properties which allow scalar multiplication, the bottleneck operation in most ECC cryptosystems, to be performed very efficiently. Optimizing the scalar multiplication operation on Koblitz curves is an active area of research with many proposed algorithms for FPGA and software implementations. As of yet little to no research has been reported on using the capabilities of hybrid FPGAs, such as the Xilinx Virtex-4 FX series, which …

Preferred Color Correction For Mixed Taking-Illuminant Placement And Cropping, Erin P. Fredericks

Theses

The growth of automatic layout capabilities for publications such as photo books and image sharing websites enables consumers to create personalized presentations without much experience or the use of professional page design software. Automated color correction of images has been well studied over the years, but the methodology for determining how to correct images has almost exclusively considered images as independent indivisible objects. In modern documents, such as photo books or web sharing sites, images are automatically placed on pages in juxtaposition to others and some images are automatically cropped. Understanding how color correction preferences are impacted by complex arrangements …

A Mathematical Model Of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Karthik Bathena

Theses

A SIS model for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is developed and analyzed. The model contains a human population of incidental hosts, along with animals that are the reservoir hosts and the sandfly vector. Reproductive rates for the persistence of the infection are derived from the model. Conditions for the existence of endemic and disease-free equilibrium are obtained. The stability analysis of the disease-free equilibrium is investigated and numerical simulations for the model are provided.

Testability Of A Swarm Robot Using A System Of Systems Approach And Discrete Event Simulation, Matthew R. Hosking

Theses

A simulation framework using discrete event system specification (DEVS) and data encoded with Extensible Markup Language (XML) is presented to support agent-in-the-loop (AIL) simulations for large, complex, and distributed systems. A System of Systems (SoS) approach organizes the complex systems hierarchically. AIL simulations provide a necessary step in maintaining model continuity methods to achieve a greater degree of accuracy in systems analysis. The proposed SoS approach enables the simulation and analysis of these independent and cooperative systems by concentrating on the data transferred among systems to achieve interoperability instead of requiring the software modeling of global state spaces. The information …

Reliability Of Resting Brain Networks Using Fmri, Suril Rajeshkumar Gohel

Theses

Resting state FMRI studies on human subjects are primarily focused on elaborating effects of resting state brain networks on task induced paradigm and to check consistency of these networks between different groups of populations. Recent studies have shown consistency of RSFC networks within same subjects with intra-site and intra-session variation.

The primary objective of this study was to check consistency of resting state networks between sites and between different groups of people in spite of change in scanning parameters and population. A total of 437 subjects resting state FMRI data from six different sites were collected varying in age group …

Modeling The Infrared Emission From Cygnus A, George C. Privon

Theses

The Spitzer Space Telescope provides a unique view of the Universe at infrared wavelengths. Improved sensitivity and angular resolution over previous missions enable detailed studies of astrophysical objects, both in imaging and spectroscopic modes. Spitzer observations of active galactic nuclei can help shed light on the physical conditions of the central regions of these active galaxies. The nearby radio galaxy Cygnus A is one of the most luminous radio sources in the local Universe. In addition to the high radio power, it is also very luminous in the infrared. New Spitzer spectroscopy and photometry of Cygnus A is combined with …

Moarabisque: The Essence Of Arabia : A Motion Graphics Piece That Promotes The Diverse Saudi Arabian Arts And Culture, Wail Al Hamid

Theses

Moarabisque: The essence of Arabia is an "Arabian custom designed motion graphics series". This Series is inspired by the diverse geography, architecture, arts, and culture of the Arabian Peninsula. These series are merged together as a cohesive motion graphics piece that visually reflects and promotes the varied Arabian culture through arts, architecture, music, and Islamic iconography. The final motion graphics video will introduce a series of visual icons that are of vital importance to religious and cultural values of Muslims; especially the Arabic nation. These icons delineate the characteristics of the Arabian culture; an Islamic civilized culture that emerged from …

Mathematical Methods For Anomaly Grouping In Hyperspectral Images, Timothy J. Doster

Theses

The topological anomaly detection (TAD) algorithm differs from other anomaly detection algorithms in that it does not rely on the data's being normally distributed. We have built on this advantage of TAD by extending the algorithm so that it gives a measure of the number of anomalous objects, rather than the number of anomalous pixels, in a hyperspectral image. We have done this by identifying and integrating clusters of anomalous pixels, which we accomplished with a graph-theoretical method that combines spatial and spectral information. By applying our method, the Anomaly Clustering algorithm, to hyperspectral images, we have found that our …

Apparent Horizons Of N Black Holes And Black Hole Rings, Gabriela Jaramillo

Theses

We first study systems of N Schwarzschild black holes in a time-symmetric spacelike hypersurface with axial symmetry. Apparent horizons are found by numerically solving a non linear system of 3 coupled ODE's using Mathematica. The location of the apparent horizon is calculated in each system in order to find the critical separation between the black holes that creates an encompassing apparent horizon. A method for approximating the critical separations of N black holes by representing them as an effective system of two black holes is developed. Next, we study black hole rings of different mass. The apparent horizon is …

Independent Component Analysis (Ica) Applied To Ultrasound Image Processing And Tissue Characterization, Di Lai

Theses

As a complicated ubiquitous phenomenon encountered in ultrasound imaging, speckle can be treated as either annoying noise that needs to be reduced or the source from which diagnostic information can be extracted to reveal the underlying properties of tissue. In this study, the application of Independent Component Analysis (ICA), a relatively new statistical signal processing tool appeared in recent years, to both the speckle texture analysis and despeckling problems of B-mode ultrasound images was investigated. It is believed that higher order statistics may provide extra information about the speckle texture beyond the information provided by first and second order statistics …

Applications Of Continued Fractions In Cryptography And Diophantine Equations, Aaron H. Kaufer

Theses

The theory of continued fractions has applications in cryptographic problems and in solution methods for Diophantine equations. We will first examine the basic properties of continued fractions such as convergents and approximations to real numbers. Then we will discuss a computationally efficient attack on the RSA cryptosystem (Wiener's attack) based on continued fractions. Finally, using continued fractions and solutions of Pell's equation, we will show that the Diophantine equation

x^4-kx^2y^2+y^4 = 2^j (k,j are natural numbers)

has no nontrivial solutions for j=9,10,11 given that k > 2 and k is not a perfect square.

Feasibility Assessment Of A Kalman Filter Approach To Fault Detection And Fault-Tolerance In A Highly Unstable System: The Rit Heart Pump, Erin Gillespie

Theses

The purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility of a Kalman Filter approach for fault detection in a highly unstable system, specifically the heart pump currently under development at RIT. Simulations and experimental work were completed to determine the effects of possible position sensor fault conditions on the system; that information was then used in conjunction with a pair of Kalman filters to create a method of detecting faults and providing fault-tolerant operation. The heart pump system was modeled using Simulink and then the fault diagnosis and tolerance system was added to the model and tested via simulation …

Museum Discovery Rooms Engaging Families Using Learning Theories, Cassandra E. Demski

Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Study Of The Implementation Of Digital Camera’S Raw And Jpeg And Scanner’S Tiff File Formats, And Color Management Procedures For Inkjet Textile Printing Applications, Chi-Hao Chien

Theses

The objective of this research was to evaluate the results and characteristics of utilizing different image file formats in inkjet textile printing. Two format files derived from digital camera (JPEG and RAW format files) and two TIFF format files derived from scanning the transparency films were sent through color management processes and adjustment procedures. These images files were then rendered on 100% cotton fabric using an inkjet textile printer. The evaluation and analysis of the image files and textile patterns were based on visual assessment and measured values. The end result of this experiment was mainly to evaluate the image …

Biomersa: The Biology Media Repository With Semantic Augmentation, Adam Cornwell

Theses

With computers now capable of easily handling all kinds of multimedia files in vast quantity, and with the Internet now well-suited to exchange these files, we are faced with the challenge of organizing this data in such a way so as to make the information most useful and accessible. This holds true as well for media pertaining to the field of biology, where multimedia is particularly useful in education, as well as in research. To help address this, a software system with a Web-based interface has been developed for improving the accuracy and specificity of multimedia searching and browsing by …

Semi-Automated Techniques For The Retrieval Of Dermatological Condition In Color Skin Images, Ranxi Huang

Theses

Dermatologists base the diagnosis of skin disease on the visual assessment of the skin. This fact shows that correct diagnosis is highly dependent on the observer's experience and on his or her visual perception. Moreover, the human vision system lacks accuracy, reproducibility, and quantification in the way it gathers information from an image. So, there is a great need for computer-aided diagnosis. We propose a content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system to aid in the diagnosis of skin disease. First, after examining the skin images, pre-processing will be performed. Second, we examine the visual features for skin disease classified in the …

Sliding Mode Control Applied To An Underactuated Fuel Cell System, Daniel C. Difiore

Theses

In this work, a method for controlling a nonlinear underactuated system using augmented sliding mode control (SMC) is proposed. SMC requires inversion of the input influence matrix to derive the desired control law. In under or over actuated systems this matrix is nonsquare therefore a true inverse does not exist. The proposed control approach demonstrated in this work involves introducing a transformation matrix mapping the systems input influence matrix to a transformed system that is square and thus invertible. The proposed approach is shown to control selectable states with proper choice of the transformation matrix yielding good control performance. The …

Extremely Low-Overhead Security For Wireless Sensor Networks: Algorithms And Implementation, Michael Schab

Theses

Recent advances in the development of compact microprocessors have brought forth new applications in the field of data acquisition and wireless communication. One of these applications is a compact sensor mote that has the ability to perform both data acquisition and transmission within a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Wireless sensor communication is susceptible to the same data security threats as traditional wireless networks. In an environment where sensors are broadcasting battlefield intelligence or patient biometrics, data confidentiality must be enforced utilizing some form of encryption. Unlike traditional wireless networks, where the communicating devices have unrestricted access to power and memory, …

Color Difference Formula And Uniform Color Space Modeling And Evaluation, Shizhe Shen

Theses

Defining color tolerances numerically continues to be a topic of intense interest in colorimetry. A technique was developed to evaluate formula performance that incorporated visual uncertainty. In this technique, visual uncertainty was represented by randomized equal color-difference ellipsoids or randomized visual color differences. STRESS, a multivariate statistical tool, was employed to quantify these randomized equal color-difference ellipsoids or visual color differences. The STRESS clouds were composed of the STRESS values between the randomized equal color-difference ellipsoids and T50 equal color-difference ellipsoids, or between the randomized visual color differences and T50 visual color differences where T50 represented visually determined tolerances equivalent …

Optimal Interpolation Grids For Accurate Numerical Solutions Of Singular Ordinary Differential Equations, Michael Margitus

Theses

Researchers are interested in three types of error: experimental error, truncation error, and interpolation error. This thesis will study the last. Given a differential equation g"(x) = f(x) and a fixed number of interpolation grid points, an optimation problem is formulated to minimize the difference between f(x) and its interpolating function, thus reducing the error between the actual solution and the approximated solution of the ODE. Using the Nelder-Mead Simplex Method, the optimal distribution of grid points that will minimize the error between the solution g and its approximated solution will be found. This technique will then be applied to …

Modesty As A Global Perspective, Nicholas Ryan Baima

Theses

In this paper I give an account of modesty that focuses on having an appropriate global perspective of your achievements. Unlike other philosophers, I take a disjunctive approach, arguing that there are at least four ways one can have an appropriate global perspective of her achievements. Additionally, I argue that if one is to be modest she must not brag about or dwell on her achievements and she must believe with sufficient reason that she has achievements. I argue that modesty defined as such is both extrinsically and intrinsically valuable. Its extrinsic value derives from the positive social consequences it …

The Plan Put Into Practice: Usaaf Bombing Doctrine And The Ploesti Campaign, Sean Herbert Seyer

Theses

This thesis is a contribution to the continuing study of the development of American daylight precision strategic bombing doctrine. Using the multiple USAAF bombing attacks on the oil targets of Ploesti, Romania, it concludes that the USAAF entered the war with preconceived, untested notions regarding the effects of bombing and, because of bureaucratic inertia, failed to adjust to German passive and active defenses. The new technology of bombardment aviation therefore did not result in the desired destruction of the industrial targets, but only inflicted damage at high costs to the attackers. Resting on extensive archival research, the study brings to …

Linking Community Revitalization, Urban Agriculture, And Elementary Education, Mary Alexis Blondrage

Theses

A university/community partnership in Rochester, NY was the context for this research addressing the development of collaboration between local elementary School 45 and the community's agriculture education initiative. At the school and community's request, a possible partnership was researched to find the appropriate linkage that would address both the school and community's needs. Participatory action research was the framework for the qualitative research methodology. Data are presented from various sources including extensive participant observation, field notes, in-depth interviews, and document review. The findings indicated diverse implications for the consideration of a school-community partnership, and highlighted the importance of organizational and …

Poly[4(5)-Vinylimidazole]/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composites As Proton Exchange Membranes, Jingjing Pan

Theses

In the present research, the morphology and thermal chemical characteristics of composite films comprised of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2) and poly[4(5)-vinylimidazole/vinylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonylimide] (PVIm/VIm+TFSI-]) were studied. In these composites, conditions such as choice of solvent and drying and annealing conditions can affect the crystal habit, crystallite size and degree of crystallinity of PVF2 as well as the distribution of the minor component, poly[4(5)-VIm/VIm+TFSI-]. Such composites may have potential in fuel cells as high-temperature proton exchange membranes. When cast from either dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMAC) at ambient temperature and dried at temperatures below 100°C, PVF2 homopolymer films and PVF2//PVIm/VIm+TFSI- composite films were …

Modeling The Environmental Impact Of Demand Variability Upon Supply Chains In The Beverage Industry, Jorge Y. Daccarett-Garcia

Theses

High demand variability can produce several inefficiencies in the supply chain, increasing cost and decreasing service level. This research focuses on the environmental impact of demand variability on supply chains especially in the beverage industry by investigating the relationship between demand variability and the emissions of carbon dioxide. The analysis was based on a beverage industry case, considering a two-stage supply chain. A simulation model was developed to represent the supply chain. The experimental factors demand variability, demand level, forecast method, system size, and truck fleet configuration were manipulated in order to represent different scenarios. A statistical Design of Experiment …

A System Study Of Sparse Aperture Sensors In Remote Sensing Applications With Explicit Phase Retrieval, Brian Daniel

Theses

Sparse aperture designs use multiple primary mirrors in alignment to increase optical resolution, as opposed to using just one bigger primary mirror. Sparse apertures are defined to have a low amount of active optical area compared to the encircling area of the array. Previous works on sparse aperture systems have studied several configurations based on the gray-world assumption, where the spectral nature of the object, or scene, is assumed independent of its spatial location. In other words, the scene is the same color for every pixel. Robert Introne, Ph.D. (2004) and Noah Block, M.S. (2005) have tested this assumption and …

Past With Present: A Design Process, Spencer Knape Biegler

Theses

The design process detailed in this thesis addresses how a designer brings a design that is both relevant but dated into the present. Four stages make up the design process: investigation, scattered design, design réseau, and focused design, and the process covers the choice of artifact, historical and cultural research, and the conclusions derived from research. The chandelier acts as artifact in this design process iteration. The goal of the thesis project is a process that stresses both innovation as well as the cultural and symbolic importance of older designs; the outcome of this design iteration is honed chandelier concepts …

Fast Unsupervised Multiresolution Color Image Segmentation Using Adaptive Gradient Thresholding And Progressive Region Growing, Sreenath Rao Vantaram

Theses

In this thesis, we propose a fast unsupervised multiresolution color image segmentation algorithm which takes advantage of gradient information in an adaptive and progressive framework. This gradient-based segmentation method is initialized by a vector gradient calculation on the full resolution input image in the CIE L*a*b* color space. The resultant edge map is used to adaptively generate thresholds for classifying regions of varying gradient densities at different levels of the input image pyramid, obtained through a dyadic wavelet decomposition scheme. At each level, the classification obtained by a progressively thresholded growth procedure is combined with an entropy-based texture model in …